If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, then look no further than this Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Cream Cheese, and Green Onions Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of flaky croissants soaking up a rich, creamy egg custard, packed with savory breakfast sausage, luscious cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and bright pops of green onion. Each bite is an incredible harmony of textures and flavors that will soon have you craving it for every weekend brunch and holiday gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, bringing layers of flavor, texture, and color to the Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Cream Cheese, and Green Onions Recipe. The quality and combination of these simple staples transform this dish into a showstopper that’s as hearty as it is comforting.
- Croissants (8–10 small/medium, stale): Stale croissants soak up the egg custard beautifully without falling apart, creating the perfect base.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps to brown the sausage and veggies nicely without sticking.
- Breakfast sausage (1 lb): Adds rich, savory, and meaty flavor essential for a hearty breakfast feel.
- Yellow onion (1/2, diced): Brings subtle sweetness and depth when cooked with sausage.
- Red bell pepper (1, diced): Adds a pop of color and slight sweetness for balance.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, room temperature): Provides luscious creaminess that melts into the sausage mixture.
- White cheddar (2 cups, grated): Sharp, melty cheese that’s irresistible and binding.
- Green onions (3, sliced): Freshness and mild onion flavor to brighten each bite.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smoky warmth.
- Eggs (10): The heart of the custard, creating that rich, velvety texture.
- Half and half (1 1/4 cups): Makes the custard perfectly creamy without heaviness.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and a slight tang to the custard.
- Hot sauce (2 tablespoons): Delivers a subtle kick to round out savory flavors.
- Everything bagel seasoning (2 tablespoons): Gives a crunchy, savory topping that adds irresistible texture and flavor.
- Kosher salt & freshly cracked pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate every component of the dish.
How to Make Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Cream Cheese, and Green Onions Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Veggies
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat—this prevents sticking and helps those flavors develop. Add the breakfast sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon to ensure it cooks evenly and crisps up nicely. When it’s about halfway cooked, toss in the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper. Cook together until the vegetables soften and the sausage is fully browned. Once done, set this savory mixture aside to cool to room temperature before mixing with the cream cheese.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
Grab a bowl and lovingly combine your cooled sausage mixture with the cream cheese, one and a half cups of shredded white cheddar, paprika, and fresh green onions. Mix everything thoroughly until you get a creamy, vibrant filling that’s bursting with flavor. This rich blend is the heart of the Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Cream Cheese, and Green Onions Recipe and will make every bite extra special.
Step 3: Prep the Croissants
Slice each croissant horizontally into halves—these will act like little pillows cradling your delicious filling. Grease your 9×13 baking dish lightly to prevent sticking, then arrange the croissant bottoms in a neat layer. Spoon the sausage and cream cheese filling evenly across all the bases, then cap them gently with the croissant tops. This layered setup allows every bite to have that perfect balance of bread and filling.
Step 4: Mix the Egg Custard
In a blender or mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, and half a teaspoon each of kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper. The goal is a silky smooth egg custard that envelops the croissants like a creamy blanket, soaking into every nook and cranny. If whisking by hand, take your time to beat the mixture until perfectly uniform.
Step 5: Pour and Set
Reserve two tablespoons of the egg custard mixture for later brushing, then pour the rest evenly around the croissants, allowing them to soak it up. Cover the dish and let it sit at room temperature for at least one hour or refrigerate overnight. This soak time is fundamental because it gives the croissants the chance to absorb all those luscious custard flavors for maximum richness.
Step 6: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This moderate temperature will bake the casserole gently, ensuring the custard sets nicely without drying out and that the top gets beautifully golden and bubbly.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Before popping the dish in the oven, brush the reserved egg mixture over the croissants and sprinkle everything bagel seasoning generously on top. Add a bit more shredded white cheddar for an irresistible melty finish. Bake for approximately 45-50 minutes or until the custard is fully set, the cheese is melted and golden, and the top has that gorgeous everything bagel crunch. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to help everything settle beautifully.
How to Serve Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Cream Cheese, and Green Onions Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish even further, sprinkle freshly sliced green onions or a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives atop the casserole just before serving. A drizzle of hot sauce on the side can add a delightful zing if you like a kick. These simple garnishes add a fresh, bright note that balances the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Cream Cheese, and Green Onions Recipe pairs beautifully with light sides like a crisp green salad, fresh fruit salad, or a bowl of mixed berries. For a comforting, heartier brunch, roasted breakfast potatoes or crispy bacon strips make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive brunch spread, consider serving this casserole in mini muffin tins to make bite-sized portions perfect for sharing. You can also set it up as a buffet where guests can add their own toppings like sliced avocado, sour cream, or extra cheese. Either way, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole keeps wonderfully covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
This casserole freezes great! Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Microwaving works too, but the oven helps keep the topping crisp and the custard creamy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh croissants instead of stale ones?
While fresh croissants tend to be too soft and may become mushy when soaked in the custard, using slightly stale croissants gives the casserole better structure and texture. If you only have fresh ones, try toasting them lightly before assembling.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can swap the breakfast sausage for a plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and add extra veggies to keep that hearty, savory vibe going strong.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes, preparing it the night before and letting it soak overnight in the refrigerator actually enhances the flavors and texture, making it even more delicious by morning.
What kind of cheese works best?
White cheddar is perfect for its sharp, creamy quality, but feel free to experiment with Gruyere, fontina, or a mix of cheeses to customize the flavor.
How spicy is this casserole with the hot sauce?
The hot sauce adds just a gentle warmth and depth without overpowering the dish. You can adjust the amount or omit it depending on your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about waking up to a Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Cream Cheese, and Green Onions Recipe ready to be devoured. It brings together comfort, elegance, and flavor complexity in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Whether for a holiday brunch or a weekend treat, this casserole will quickly become one of your favorite breakfast classics. Give it a try—you won’t regret making this deliciousness part of your recipe rotation!
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Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Cream Cheese, and Green Onions Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This Croissant Breakfast Casserole combines flaky, buttery croissants with a savory sausage and veggie filling, all soaked in a flavorful egg custard and baked to golden perfection. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish for brunch or a special breakfast that serves 8 and can be prepared ahead of time before baking.
Ingredients
Croissant and Sausage Mixture
- 8 – 10 small/medium croissants, stale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 cups white cheddar, grated (divided: 1 1/2 cups for mixture, remainder for topping)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Egg Mixture
- 10 eggs
- 1 1/4 cups half and half
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s or Tabasco)
- 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
- Kosher salt (about 1 teaspoon divided)
- Freshly cracked pepper (about 1/2 teaspoon divided)
Instructions
- Brown the meat and veggies. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is mostly cooked through. Then add the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper and cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool to room temperature.
- Mix the filling. In a large bowl, combine the cooled sausage mixture with the cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups of shredded white cheddar, paprika, and sliced green onions. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated and creamy.
- Prep the croissants. Slice the croissants in half lengthwise. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. Arrange the bottom halves of the croissants evenly in the baking dish. Divide the sausage filling evenly over the croissant bottoms, then place the top halves back over the filling to form sandwiches. Set aside.
- Mix the eggs. In a blender or a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper until very smooth and uniform in texture.
- Pour and set. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the egg mixture for brushing later. Pour the remaining egg mixture evenly around and over the croissant sandwiches in the dish. Cover the casserole and let it soak at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or refrigerate overnight to allow the croissants to absorb the egg custard fully.
- Preheat the oven. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake. Before placing the casserole in the oven, brush the croissants lightly with the reserved egg mixture. Sprinkle the entire casserole with the everything bagel seasoning and a bit more shredded white cheddar on top. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the custard is fully set, the top is golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Using stale croissants helps them absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
- You can prepare the casserole the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator to bake fresh in the morning.
- Feel free to swap breakfast sausage with cooked bacon or ham for variation.
- The hot sauce adds a mild kick, adjust the amount to your spice preference or omit entirely.
- Everything bagel seasoning adds a nice savory crunch, but you can substitute with sesame seeds or omit if unavailable.
- Letting the casserole soak is key to achieving a custardy texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
